Kazakh customs and traditions

icon-locationAlmaty - Kazakhstan
Ancient Kazakh traditions, developed over millennia, are part of the foundation of Kazakh society. The nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakhs significantly influenced the formation of customs and beliefs. Today, when science and technology has developed with modern cities and sedentary life has been formed, the Kazakhs have always preserved and maintained the beauties of their ancestors' traditions and culture. Here are some rituals, cultural traditions of the Kazakhs

Traditional wedding

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the wedding is one of the most important events in the life of a Kazakh. Parents begin to prepare for that long before their children reach adulthood, searching for a worthy family for their child in the neighboring villages. The wedding ceremony takes place over several days and is accompanied by many unique traditional customs. The most important point in the custom, the Kazakh wedding tradition that remains to this day is the ban on marriage of the family members up to the seventh generation (adat). Other traditions have become obsolete in the 21st century. A Kazakh wedding is conducted through several stages: matchmaking, the bride and groom getting to know each other, a lively party at the bride's house, sending her off. bride and official marriage ceremony.

Tradition of hospitality

As in all Central Asian countries, Kazakh culture is distinguished by a tradition of hospitality. Welcoming guests to a Kazakh home is taken so seriously that a person can be reprimanded or even fined for not following the traditional welcome customs. The Kazakhs have the principles of welcoming guests very formally, warmly and expect their guests to always feel respected and honored. According to Kazakh tradition, guests will be invited by the host to sit in a place of honor in the middle of the yurt and be treated to the traditional Kazakh dish, kumis (horse milk) and given special gifts. separate.

Tradition of childbirth

According to a Kazakh proverb, “A home full of children is a happy place. A home without children is no different from a cemetery.” The birth of a child is the greatest source of joy for a Kazakh family, and the birth custom in Kazakhstan reflects this endless joy. There are many solemn rituals performed from the moment a child is born to protect the child from evil spirits and towards a long, prosperous life with a good future.

Some customs of guests

In addition to the above customs and traditions, Kazakhs also have other interesting habits around gift giving and superstitions, which play an important role in daily life.

Some popular customs in Kazakhstan collectively known as Tayyin are worth mentioning: for locals, whistling in the house can drive good fortune and money out of the house, you should not go in front of them. an elderly person, never give a knife or salt directly to a loved one, but place it on the table for them to take for themselves.

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